Manhattan Ties Up Saints

October 11, 2014

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – For the fifth time in their past 10 matches, 110 minutes could not decide a victor in a Siena Women’s Soccer match. Junior Cassy Landis scored and senior captain Taylor Booth made six saves, but Manhattan scored late to steal two points from the Saints in a 1-1 tie.

Siena (5-5-5, 2-1-3) improved to 4-1-5 in its past 10 matches, but could not secure a coveted three conference points. The Saints’ five ties are the most in a year in the program’s 35 seasons.

The Saints got off to a strong start and took the lead just 98 seconds in on Landis’ team-high fourth goal of the year. Siena out-shot Manhattan (6-5-2, 1-2-2) 10-4 in the opening half and took all four corners.

But the Jaspers came out surging to start the second half, attempting six shots in the first 11 minutes. Booth made three saves during the stretch to preserve the lead.

A scary moment occurred in the 77^th minute when Manhattan goalkeeper Kristen Skonieczny was injured. Play was ultimately halted for 24 minutes as Skonieczny was taken off the field in an ambulance.

When play resumed, the Jaspers quickly netted the equalizer. With just 8:42 remaining in regulation, a 2-on-1 in deep for Manhattan resulted in an Emily Ude goal. The Jaspers threatened to take the lead moments later, but Booth made a sprawling save off an Emily Center header and senior captain Katie Zambrano cleared the rebound off the line.

Siena out-shot Manhattan 6-2 during the overtime sessions, although both teams had strong chances to win it.

Senior Danielle Christiano’s shot from the top of the box was saved by Manhattan reserve Becca Vitale with four seconds left in the first overtime. Just over a minute into the second overtime, the Jaspers’ Lauren Barton got free behind the defense but Booth saved her initial shot and Barton’s rebound clanged off the post.

Siena held a 20-15 edge in shots and 9-3 advantage in corners in improving to 9-1-3 in their last 13 matches against the Jaspers.

Skonieczny made three saves before departing for Manhattan, while Vitale stopped two shots in relief.

Siena will aim to secure an elusive three points when the Saints travel to Buffalo to face Canisius Wednesday at 4 p.m.